Boeing OH-6 / MD 500 / MH-6 (Little Bird)

The MD 500 Defender series has proven to be a highly adaptable battlefield
observation platform.

Designation: Boeing OH-6 / MD 500 / MH-6 (Little Bird)
Classification Type: Light Attack and Observation Helicopter
Contractor: Boeing / McDonnell-Douglas / Hughes - USA
Country of Origin: United States
Initial Year of Service: 1964

The OH-6 series of helicopters is a successful light observation and light
attack system fielded with the US Army and special forces since the
mid-1960's. The aircraft proved nimble enough to operate in close-support of
ground forces and could also be called upon for light strikes against
aggressor targets. The original OH-6 "Cayuse" birthed the hughly successful
Hughes 500 series that would go on to see countless export orders in both
civilian and military roles.

The OH-6 Cayuse was originally trialed alongside Hiller and Bell models in
the United States Army's search for a new observation helicopter. After
securing the contract, the Hughes-produced system would be further developed
and see extensive combat operations in the Vietnam Conflict. In post-war,
the 500 series would me marketed in the civilian format with great success.

The 500M "Defender" series would mark the aircraft's entry into the military
export market. The system could be crewed by two personnel with seating in
the cabin for an additional two people. If needed, the rear bench could be
removed and the 500M could easily seat four combat-ready troops on the
floor. Japan would license-produce this variant for self-use and additional
initial orders from the United States would be placed by Columbia.

A multitude of variants would follow including anti-tank TOW-capable models
and a naval variant with search capabilities. The system would change hands
from Hughes to McDonnell Douglas and finally to Boeing, who would later
secure a contract to upgrade the AH-6 and MH-6J's to the "Little Bird"
standard through the Mission Enhanced Little Bird program.

Variants
Model 500 - Model Series Designation
OH-6 "Cayuse" - Initial Production Model Designation; may be designated as
"Loach" in some sources.
Model 500M "Defender" - Initial Export Production Model Designation.
OH-6J - Japanese license-produced variant of the Model 500M.
Model 500MD "Defender" - Improvements throughout; more powerful powerplant;
"T" tail assembly; newly-designed 5-blade main rotor assembly.
Model 500D "Scout Defender" - Variant of the base Model 500MD.
Model 500MD/TOW "Defender" - Variant of the base Model 500MD with anti-tank
provision.
Model 500MD/ASW "Defender" - Naval variant based on the Model 500MD; fitted
with towed MAD system and search radar; provision for torpedoes as well.
Model 500E
Model 500MG "Defender" - Militarized Variant of the base Model 500E;
redesigned nose section and fitted with a Rolls-Royce / Allison 250-C20B
powerplant.
Model 530F - Improved Engine Performance
Model 530MG - Militarized Variant Model of the base Model 530F system.
Model MD 520N - NOTAR-equipped militarized variant.
MH-6J - Special Operations Model Designation; upgraded to "Mission Enhanced
Little Bird" program.
AH-6J - Provision for machine gun and rocket pod system; upgraded to
"Mission Enhanced Little Bird" program.

Specifications for the Boeing OH-6A (Little Bird)
Dimensions:
Length: 23.00ft (7.01m)
Width: 26.35ft (8.03m)
Height: 8.14ft (2.48m)

Performance: About MACH
Max Speed: 134mph (215kmh; 116kts)
Max Range: 379miles (610km)
Rate-of-Climb:1,840ft/min (561m/min)
Service Ceiling: 7,300ft (2,225m; 1.4miles)

Structure:
Accommodation: 2 + 2/4
Hardpoints: 2
Empty Weight: 1,228lbs (557kg)
MTOW: 2,701lbs (1,225kg)

Powerplant:
Engine(s): 1 x Allison T63-A-5A turboshaft engine driving five-blade main
rotor and two-blade tail rotor at 253shp.
Armament Suite:
Mission-specific ordnance can include any of the following:

2 x M134 7.62mm miniguns
2 x M261 7-shot rocket pod (0.5in FFAR rockets)
2 x M260 19-shot rocket pod (0.5in FFAR rockets)
2 x AGM-114 Hellfire Anti-tank Missiles
2 x 12.7mm machine guns